At the heart of Nelson, Lancashire, amidst the vibrant hustle and bustle of our daily lives, lies a severe oversight that jeopardizes the safety of our community's most vulnerable members—our children. Walton Lane, stretching between the Glenfield Road and Oxford Road junctions, lacks a safe, designated crossing point. This has become a perilous predicament for children navigating their way to Pendle Vale School.

Every morning and afternoon, parents and children face the anxiety of cross-traffic, where double-parked cars and drivers often seem heedless of the speed limits. Observing cars speeding and maneuvering erratically puts not only children but also parents and other residents at substantial risk. Just last week, a close call narrowly avoided a catastrophe when a speeding car almost struck two young students attempting to cross the road.

In areas such as this, a zebra crossing would serve as a critical intervention to ensure safety. Zebra crossings are proven solutions worldwide, compelling vehicles to slow down and providing pedestrians with a clearly defined crossing path. Moreover, these crossings are cost-effective to install and maintain, making them a feasible solution for local government budgets.

Our community shouldn't have to wait for a tragic accident before action is taken. The safety of Pendle Vale School's students, and indeed, all pedestrians along Walton Lane, must be prioritized. We propose the installation of a zebra crossing midway on Walton Lane, ensuring a safe route for children and instilling peace of mind for their guardians.

Join us in urging the Lancashire County Council to implement immediate measures to rectify this dangerous oversight. Our children deserve to walk to school without fear. Please sign this petition and support us in making Walton Lane safer for everyone.